Gorilla fans brave the rain for the Great Gorilla Run 2018

They came dressed as samurai warriors, American footballers, Hawaiian dancing girls, comic book character, wrestlers, and more. They braved the wind and the rain and they ran 8km through the heart of London, all for the love of gorillas. Thanks to their commitment, the 2018 Great Gorilla Run was a success.

In a change from previous years, the run began and ended at Temple, right on the Victorian Embankment. To the beat of African drums, the runners set off just after 10:30am on a rainy Sunday morning. They crossed over the Jubilee Bridge and then, to the delight of Londoners and tourists alike, followed the Thames along the South Bank before crossing back over the iconic Tower Bridge.

Jillian Miller, Director of the Gorilla Organization, welcomed the runners back, presenting each with their well-deserved medals.

“When I checked this morning, we had raised more than £10,000!” Jillian told the returned runners. “This money will go towards supporting our conservation and development projects in Africa and will make a real difference in the fight to help gorillas not just survive but to thrive.”

“In all the years we’ve been hosting the Gorilla Run, the weather has never been as bad as it has been today. But, despite the rain, people turned out in big numbers to run, to volunteer and to cheer their friends on. And, what’s more, they all did it with a smile on their face. Thank you!”

Prizes were also awarded for the furthest-travelled gorilla (all the way from New Zealand) the best-dressed gorilla (Dennis the Menace and his partner) and the biggest team of runners (Sales Force).

Ian Redmond, Gorilla Organization Chairman and veteran conservationist, was also preset to celebrate the completion of the Great Gorilla Run 2018.

“Thank you for all of you for braving the weather and wearing a gorilla suit,” he said. “Your support makes a big difference. Many of our programmes are often directed at people, many of who have long been ignored or marginalised. It’s their life decisions that affect gorillas and by helping them, we can ensure that the gorillas are left in peace to prosper.”

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